The starter Pokémon of any generation hold significant importance, serving as the preliminary companions for players embarking on their adventures. Typically unveiled early in the marketing for new games, these creatures often embody the themes of their respective generations. However, it is not just their initial designs that captivate players; the subsequent stages of evolution must also inspire enthusiasm and loyalty as trainers progress through their journeys. As the franchise gears up for Generation 10 (Gen 10), there are valuable lessons to learn from previous generations, particularly regarding the successful design of starter Pokémon.
While the artistic direction of final starter evolutions has sparked debate—most notably, the increasing prevalence of bipedal designs—the typing of these Pokémon arguably generates the most contention. Veteran fans may recall the overwhelming criticism aimed at the repeated trend of Fire/Fighting starters over the years, which only subsided with the introduction of Delphox, a Fire/Psychic type, in Generation 6. The situation remained complex in the Galar region, where Pokémon Sword and Shield presented a trio of mono-type starters: Fire, Water, and Grass, rendering them relatively forgettable in the grand narrative of the Pokémon universe.
Gen 10: Opportunities for Diversified Starters
The Limitations of Sword and Shield’s Starters
The trio of Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon from Pokémon Sword and Shield exemplifies the potential drawbacks of mono-typing, as this approach often leads to diminished versatility. While Rillaboom may enjoy a competitive edge in Pokémon VGC, Cinderace and Inteleon lack a secondary typing that could enhance their role within a team, preventing them from attaining the status expected of a game’s flagship Pokémon.
In fact, the only other generation with a similar design—having all three starter Pokémon as mono-type—is Generation 2, featuring Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr. Anticipation ran high concerning Cinderace’s potential typing prior to its reveal, especially given the fears that it might duplicate the Fire/Fighting archetype of its predecessors. A secondary Fighting type, however, would have provided this Pokémon with improved strategic options, mitigating Fire’s vulnerability to Rock types. While the introduction of Gigantamax forms could be viewed as a solution to the absence of dual typing, the limited relevance of these forms in Generation 9 has rendered them less impactful.
Gen 10: Unique Typing Options Abound
Emerging trends in starter Pokémon design have shifted positively in recent generations, with many offering inventive dual typings. Generation 10 stands at a crossroads, equipped with numerous underutilized type combinations awaiting exploration. Options such as Fire/Rock, Grass/Bug, and Water/Ice could effectively differentiate the new starters from those of the past nine generations.
A compelling notion would involve making all final evolutions in Gen 10 incorporate the Dragon type—an untapped resource within starting Pokémon. Dragon, while having notable weaknesses, could create an intriguing balance if all starters shared this typing. It is imperative for Gen 10 to avoid the trend of pairing just one or two starters with secondary typings, a common practice in older generations. Such an approach risks establishing clear dominance among the starters based on synergy with particular trainer line-ups, undermining long-term player engagement. Instead, ensuring that every final form possesses a secondary type could foster greater player investment and excitement.
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